Both Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Florida coach Jim McElwain have engineered big turnarounds in the first year at their respective programs. Harbaugh said a victory would put a cap on the best year he's had in football. McElwain led the Gators to an appearance in the Southeastern Conference title game in his first season in Gainesville and his hoping to give Florida consecutive victories for the first time since 2012.

KEY MATCHUP

Michigan defense vs. Florida defense. This game will likely be played in the defensive trenches. The Gators are ranked sixth nationally in total defense, allowing just 295.4 yards per game. They are also allowing just 4.49 yards per play, which ranks eighth nationally and third in the SEC. Michigan leads the nation in pass efficiency defense (94.98 rating). The Wolverines also allow just 122.6 yards per game rushing and 158.8 yards per game passing.

This is the third meeting between the Wolverines and Gators, both coming in bowl matchups. Michigan won each time, taking both the 2003 Outback Bowl and 2008 Citrus Bowl. ...Michigan is makings its fifth appearance in the Citrus Bowl, going 3-1 in its previous trips to Orlando. ...This will be the 13th time that Michigan faces an SEC team in a bowl game. The Wolverines are 7-5 in those matchups. ...Florida is 2-3 in games played in Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium. ...The Gators are one of 10 teams in the nation to appear in a bowl game 14 of the past 15 seasons.